#FlagOfficer- The Irish Times writes that a new flag officer, Cmdr Hugh Tully who has 36 years experience with the Naval Service has been appointed.

Cmdr Tully takes over the role of Flag Officer Commanding Naval Service from Rear Admiral Mark Mellett, who as previously reported on Afloat.ie, was promoted last month to Defence Forces deputy chief of staff – the first time a Naval Service officer has held this senior position.

Cmdr Tully was Officer Commanding Naval Operations at Naval Base in Haulbowline, Cork. He has commanded the flagship L.É. Eithne (P31), L.É. Aoife (P22) and L.É. Orla (P41). Tully also received award medals for overseas service in Isreal and Lebanon with UNIFIL (1986) and UNTSO (2003-2005).

His appointment comes as the service is due to take delivery of two new OPV vessels, the first Afloat.ie adds the L.É. Samuel Beckett was 'floated-out' last month at a shipyard in north Devon.